I'm probably digging myself into a whole. This is what I mean by it, it is shared in greater depth and greater understanding by Jesus, this is how great he is, that i can copy what he says, for he puts it in terms I can understand, and in a better way (if that is any indication, by the thought that I had while writing the quote). Now I will quote the entire passage and give a bit of a commentary in terms of giving Love to others, which is something, that, even though I "know how to love" has been difficult for me. This puts words to the "inner movements of my heart" I pray it does the same thing for you too. Without further ado, Matthew Chapter 5. (the Translation is NKJV since that is what I'm reading from)
The Beatitudes
1 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him.
He saw the multitudes - that is who he is looking at, and thinking of, and wondering what to say to. He must have had love on His heart. I will go onto why that is.
2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “ Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The Kingdom of Heaven - wow. If we loved each other like this. It says in Psalm 86:1 "Bow down your ear O Lord, hear me, for I am poor and needy" Look at where he points you. It's no less than the Kingdom of Heaven - it says in Matthew 6: "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven" so you look to things above. "where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." yes, glory. Glory has to do with seeing Him and appearing before Him. In saying "Blessed" he is saying - This can all be yours.
4 Blessed arethose who mourn, For they shall be comforted.
The opposite of how you feel. God's kingdom comes to you, in your need. That is, if you're listening to Jesus. Jesus is saying these words.
5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
I used to think that these passages were a continual progression, you started being poor, then you needed comforting because you would mourn, then God would show you meekness while you struggle to believe in yourself... But this is Jesus loving upon us so richly that whatever our circumstance, he says "You are blessed" But i'm glad he doesn't say, "But woe to you who are comforted, for you will mourn, and woe to you who are clothed, for you will be unclothed" Of course, even if he were to, it would not take away from how great his Love is for us. His love meets us wherever we are. I'm convinced of this!
11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
I believe this is prophetic, because he knew what awaited his followers. But that gives me comfort, because if He knew it would happen, then He can help us get through it. Actually he can make us "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" [emphasis added] He likens us to prophets, his servants, who hear his voice, and can respond in the right way when these things come to us. Rejoicing! and great. He calls us to greatness
Believers Are Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
Enter his first parable, and it is talking of salt. Now i'm gonna take some liberty here, but I believe that it's alot like "giving Love out of self Love" because if your love were to run out, then what could you do? Now "trampled underfoot by men" is almost like it says in 1 Corinthians 13: "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing." It goes on in many parables, about how we are to Love.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Remember how it said "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth"? God knows what to do with a Lamp - it's put on a lampstand to bring light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine - that is to say know what to do in any circumstance, that when the deed is done, they will exclaim "Surely he has a Father in Heaven!" Don't forget - He's talking to you, personally, the one that he was thinking of as He shares this.
Christ Fulfills the Law
17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.
Firstly, the fulfillment of the law - is that there is a sin offering to be accepted by God - which will not pass away, until heaven and earth pass away - Jesus did by becoming the fulfillment of the law - He gave himself up for us! Also it says - What is the greatest commandment? Jesus replies by saying "Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul, and with all your strength" and the second is like it "Love your neighbour as yourself" Figuratively - if God is going to bring complete fulfillment to the law - which is not based on grace - It will require literal fulfillment of all of it - the Law and the Prophets. God did this by sending his own Son - Romans 8, to be a sin offering - that the righteous requirements of the law may be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Basically - we no longer live under law, but under grace. God did this by fulfilling, literally, what the Law has said - and the Prophets. We no longer have to live looking at the "literal" fulfillment of these things - e.g sprinkling blood over our doors and windows at Passover - but God did this through Jesus. But the law - which was mediated by Angels - did find fulfillment. It did not pass away - who ever lives by the law, will do these things. However there is also another verse - in Isaiah 40, which says
“ All flesh is grass,
And all its loveliness is like the flower of the field.
7 The grass withers, the flower fades,
Because the breath of the LORD blows upon it;
Surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever.”
Now when it says "is" it does not mean literal is. for when was the last time you looked at your flesh and saw that it was grass. But it is still saying - it is like grass that although lovely, will perish tomorrow. The word of our God stands forever. So when the law and the prophets are fulfilled, then the word will still endure, for the word created all things.
19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
Next point. We cannot equally say then "because we are under grace, we no longer have to look at the literal fulfillment of the law" that is like saying - Although I was of the world, now because I goto be with Christ, I no longer live in the world. And so begins the next verse - if anyone teaches someone that, for example, "these things are already happened" or even - like i said before - we do not need literal fulfillment of these things - he goes to say (yes I have read up on it) that you will not be teachers - you will not have a part in me - you thought that by your reasoning you would be included with me - but I say "No" You are least - not even to be considered. And it goes even further, later. I am encouraged by the last verse - because it shows, not that you have to earn your way to Heaven - but that through Jesus, you have a righteousness that is greater than the Pharisees - though they obey the whole law - but have been ignorant of greater things.
Murder Begins in the Heart
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.All i can say, is, to love your neighbour means that you will not murder - Love makes a mockery of all the emotions of Man. You want to murder - but Jesus says - you will not. In fact your enemy isn't in front of you, he is behind you, and he is knocking. And if you do not appease him, you will surely be sent somewhere far worse than what you plan to do to this man. "shall be in danger of hell fire" What a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But equally - Love will make you do things to your brother that you never thought possible. Instead of being angry, instead of being jealous, instead of being enflamed with murder - Your Father forgives you.
23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.
It's like saying - if you have anything to offer God - give it to Him, even if it seems the silliest thing to do. In agreeing with God over your behavior you really will have peace because instead of being tormented by your thoughts - you will have peace. It compares it to being delivered to a judge - it compares it to bringing an offering before your Father in Heaven. Know who He is - why would you murder someone, knowing that it was not your brother that you are murdering, but yourself?
Adultery in the Heart
27 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.I may be wrong, but i think the problem here is, that people were well obeying the verse, but when Jesus looked at their heart (because he can) he was seeing that they were still bound up by so many things. They talked the talk but didn't walk the walk as Jesus would have them. He is still incredible passionate about setting people free from the inside. From their Thought life which is more important than what the outward form is like. He says "don't concern yourself with the commandment, come follow me and I will transform you to love" - in his heart. The matter of salvation has always been a heart thing, and the heart is torn very easily. It gets hurt easily, it is made weak, easily, it gets confused easily. Ain't that the truth about so many these days? Of course I do not pity them. They have lived the way they live.
29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.
Here is a sure fire way of getting rid of your most niggling problems. Don't hesitate! when you see something that offends you, take drastic measures to run to Jesus. I certainly do not want to goto hell for something that offends me. Profit - you are valuable - you have value which is outside the way you act and say and do. If you look in your heart the solution, you already know it exists and that the way to have a peaceful demeanour is no less than getting rid of everything that offends. I experience the greatest freedom when I have nothing to do. And all I see around me is peace. It's also wise to act this way. This is all about Love! If you Love someone you will not commit adultery with them - God makes a distinction between loving you and loving others - the love that he has for you is personal, the love he has for others, is the kindness he shows to everyone. But if you are in a relationship you will know someone better. He'll share his secrets with you - this is the greatest pleasure - there will never be anything you can will to bring pleasure - Psalm 36
7 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.
8 They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house,
And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.
9 For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we see light.
Listen - there is a far greater torrent of pleasures because it comes from God. It reminds me of how much there is to be gained by God - when you don't hesitate! in drastically turning from those things, which will never satisfy, because you can never will to bring pleasure. It says in Philippians 3:
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Marriage Is Sacred and Binding
31 “Furthermore it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.I Believe this is so crucial. The way the Bible consummates our relationship with Jesus, is one where we will be married to Him - it is saying that the best way of thinking about how our relationship with Him is going to be, is best expressed in a wedding ceremony and then the life afterwards. It is not saying that in Heaven you'll have chairs set up, music playing, and the bridegroom waiting for the bride to appear (not to mention all the guests, the chatting, the fidgeting, etc) The implications of this far outweigh the things i could share about this. His love conquers all.
Jesus Forbids Oaths
33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne;I will include the first verse with this one because it keeps it in context. This is an interesting verse. Because what has Love to do with keeping oaths? Refer to v31. God's oath to you will never fail. Does your oath fail? What a thing to say! God's oath to you will never pass away. So in light of that, don't look to heaven - for it is his throne.
35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.
I don't know about the last line. I think what he's hinting at is if you make oaths - your oaths are gonna fail - and that's as good as saying you lie. Because if I say "I tell the truth!" I'm saying God, you are my witness here, you are true in all your dealings, I want to reflect that part of you. It likewise refers to any other place you can get trust from - because if a man swears by something greater than Him, then he confirms it. As it says in Hebrews 6
"16 For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. 17 Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, 18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us."
And this is a great thing, knowing that if we are like Him, we will have refuge in Him. He has confirmed already that nothing will keep you from Him. It also refers to faith, because in Deuteronomy it says, which is later referred to in Romans, "it is in you, it is in your heart"
Go the Second Mile
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.This is about the nature of who God is like. What do you think? Grasp this, because this is a way of life which will lead you to know how God loves you. He does not expect you to do anything greater than what you are able. This is where it comes from - do you want to retaliate - do you want to be totally uncontrolling of your features? Because an eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth - will enslave you to retaliation - which is as good as saying rebellion. These speak of places where the person is over you - he is lording over your task - to do what he says, and if you don't you will be punished. But you are not under law now. you are under a higher law - i do not even want to call it that. Because Love is not something you can quantify - it is no less than a torrent that takes root in your being and you start loving - which is divine. Think about the law - it is about written regulations - but love - or grace & truth which i call love, comes through Jesus Christ - which under any circumstances will only grow. Because His love conquers all - become someone who is reading the word - pouring your life into this. Praying - because praying is relationship with God. This good news is really the greatest opportunity for you to share the Love of God - and it being the superior pleasure - there is a generation that is not satisfied with what they have - and they take it out on people because of that dissatisfaction - become counter cultural. it has nothing to do with the good that you do. My hope and prayer is that whoever reads this will become so enamoured with this good news available in Jesus that they'll recognize the truth - that where you find God you find satisfaction, and pleasure, and good things.
Love Your Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect."People talk about this. I will not share about this unless I know that what I am going to say is right, because I am not saying Loving your enemies is easy. I think that grace is for the purpose of this very thing, to be able to do these things. But I will say this, your Father in Heaven is perfect - and when you look at your Father, don't you just love Him? This Father of ours is like this - When you know a person and all he does is give you good things when you don't ask for them, and when you sin against him by being angry, or saying something distasteful, forgets it and makes more opportunity to bless you, and also, looks at you in your weakness, when you are struggling, and gives up everything so you can feel better. If a person was like that, what would you do? Would you say like so many "I know you are like that, but I don't want that" or will you do the thing that makes the most sense. Fall at his feet and ask Him, how do you love me this much? I have done it my way, and it hasn't worked, Obviously your way works! because you are like this all the time. I'm going to say good bye to the way that I have done it, and I want to do it your way - I know that when I do it your way, it will not require anything on my part - because so far it hasn't been anything I've done, it's only been you. So I only know a little bit of you, but I want to know all of you.
Well it's been a very long post, however I've been driven to it. Know that I only share this because I love Jesus. I do not seek to be rewarded.
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